Leisure complex go-ahead against advice

An Bord Pleanála has approved plans for an international-scale tourism and leisure complex near Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, despite being urged to refuse permission by the planning inspector who dealt with the case. Frank McDonald, Environment Editor, reports.

Previous plans by Norpark Investments Ltd for a "summer sun and winter snow" leisure facility at Ballinahinch Lower, with access from the N11, were rejected by the appeals board in 2001 because of concerns about its retail content and traffic problems.

Although An Taisce warned that a "Red Cow situation" could develop at the junction of the N11 and M50, the board has now ruled that the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area and would be acceptable in traffic terms.

In deciding not to accept its inspector's recommendation, the board said it took into account the zoning of the 84-acre site for tourism, leisure and recreational uses, the reduced scale of the latest scheme and the detailed road improvements proposed.

The domed "summer sun/winter snow" building, located in a disused gravel quarry, would incorporate two main ski slopes - billed as the largest indoors anywhere in Europe - as well as a nursery slope and a snow play area adjoining an "Alpine village".

The plan also includes a 184- bedroom hotel, bars, restaurants and function rooms, 23 apartments, an 18-hole "executive golf course", a health and leisure academy, an interpretative and education centre, car and coach parking and an amenity lake.

However, An Taisce said the site, in a greenbelt area under the Greater Dublin Area Regional Planning Guidelines, was not an appropriate location for a "major, indeed international-scale, tourism and leisure facility" because of the lack of public transport accessibility.

In granting permission subject to 31 conditions, the appeals board said all road improvements detailed in the planning application "shall be carried out, fully completed and certified by the planning authority prior to the operation of any part of the proposed facility".

The board also specified that a "mobility management plan" - including bus connections - should be submitted to and agreed in writing with Wicklow County Council in the interests of proper planning and sustainable development.

Norpark's directors are Mr Tim Rowe, Laragh, Co Wicklow; Mr William Burke, Ballinahinch Lower, Co Wicklow; and Mr Hugh McGill, Rathgar, Dublin. They will now seek funding for the development, which is expected to cost €150 million.